FAQs

1. Where do Great British apples grow in the UK?

The range of climate conditions we experience in different parts of the country makes the UK an ideal environment for growing apples. Some varieties like plenty of sunshine, whilst others can withstand colder temperatures. Wherever we grow our apples, we choose the right varieties to thrive and ripen in local conditions.

All varieties of Great British apples have their season – when they ripen, are hand-picked, and reach the shops at their best. Delbarestivale, Discovery and Worcester are among the first Great British apples available in August with popular varieties including Royal Gala and Cox following in September. To find out when your favourite variety is in season, click here.

3. How long do Great British apples take to grow?

Depending on the variety, it takes between four and six months and a mix of British rain and sunshine to grow the crunchiest and juiciest apples.

4. What are the nutritional benefits of apples?

Great British apples offer a whole host of nutritional benefits. A source of fibre, snacking on an apple every day helps us feel fuller for longer and helps keep our gut healthy. They’re also a source of slow release energy, making them an excellent snack choice for people with diabetes i.

To get to the core of why eating British apples is so good for you, find out more here.

5. How many different varieties of apples are grown in the UK?

Hundreds of apple varieties are grown in the UK – one to suit everyone’s taste buds. Some of the most widely available varieties include Braeburn, Bramley, Cox and Royal Gala. Our growers also take the best qualities from our favourites to create new and delicious varieties.

6. How many apples do we eat every year/day?

British apples are one of the nation’s best loved fruit. We consume around 122,000 tonnes a year – that’s enough to fill 325 swimming pools!

7. Do we export British apples overseas?

Due to such a strong demand for home grown apples, we only export around 3% of our crop.

8. Are Pink Lady apples grown in the UK?

No, the Pink Lady variety is grown in France, Italy, America, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

9. What happens to the British apples that don't fulfil quality standards?

Any apples that don’t make it onto supermarket shelves aren’t wasted. They’re used for lots of different things including apple juice and delicious apple pie filling.

10. Are apples high in sugar?

No, apples are not high in sugar. British apples are one of the most popular fruits in the UK, and for good reason. Whilst apples do contain sugar - around 12g per 100g, i it’s naturally occurring and a result of the carbohydrate converting into sweeter-tasting sugar, as it ripens. All fruit contains a variety of naturally occurring sugars, but also come packaged with important nutrients.

Apples, for example, are 86% water, a source of fibre and contain vitamins, minerals, and a wide variety of phytochemicals, which are thought to help protect the body against the harmful effects of free radicals, found in pollution, UV light and cigarette smoke. In contrast, a 45g bar of chocolate contains 25g of added sugar (83% of your daily maximum free sugars intake), is far higher in calories, and has none of the health-protecting nutrients found in British apples.

11. Should I eat the peel?

Yes, don’t peel your British apples. An apple eaten with its peel provides an incredible 13% more vitamin C, 10% more vitamin B6, 27% more vitamin K, 16% more potassium, and 46% more fibre than when it’s peeled iii. Research also shows that apple peels contain anywhere from two to six times (depending on the variety) more phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, (especially quercetin), carotenoids, isoflavonoids and phenolic acids, than in the flesh, which emerging research suggests may, in part, be responsible for apples’ health benefits iv – peel it away and you’ll miss out! Plus, it constitutes nearly 10% of the entire fruit’s weight.

References:

i Public Health England (2015). McCance and Widdowson’s The Composition of Foods Seventh Summary Edition. Royal Society of Chemistry.

East Midlands

West Midlands

Braeburn

Description:

Developed in New Zealand and grown to perfection in England.
Visually exciting, juicy and delivering a great balance of
zing and sweetness.

Season:

December to May

Growing Location:

East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West
South and East Anglia

Bramley

Description:

A large, tart apple, ideal for cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Mostly green but sometimes with specks of red, the white juicy flesh makes the ideal texture for crumbles, pies and sauces alike.

Season:

All Year round

Growing Location:

Kent

Cameo

Description:

A crunchy and juicy treat discovered in America, now
grown in England. Hints of honey and citrus let you know
you're eating something special.

Season:

October to May

Growing Location:

South East

Cox

Description:

England's most famous apple and rightly so, with a great
balance of sugars and bite, as well as a delicious
honeyed aroma.

Season:

September to April

Growing Location:

North West (southern part of), North East, East Midlands,
West Midlands, South East, South West, South and East Anglia

Delbarestivale

Description:

Are only grown commercially in English with limited quantities,
so maybe hard to get your hands on one.
The variety has outstanding taste combining a sweet flavour with slight tartness and a hint of aniseed.
The apple has a good aroma whilst texture is firm and juicy.

Season:

August to September

Growing Location:

South East and Herefordshire

Discovery

Description:

A beautiful, red skinned apple, hailing from Essex.
Its distinctive flavour combines with a crisp bite and good levels of juice.